Field Notes & F-Stops

S2E5: Capturing Emotion with Guest Tia Abbott

What if your camera could capture not just how a moment looked—but how it felt? Tia Abbott is the kind of photographer who doesn’t just stand behind the lens—she dives headfirst into the joy, the chaos, the emotion of it all. Based in Cape Breton but often chasing love stories across provinces (and snack-fueled road trips), Tia brings her full, sentimental, wildly enthusiastic self to every wedding she photographs. In this episode, we talk about why photos matter so much more than a pretty shot. Tia shares what it means to be a true visual storyteller—how she connects deeply with her couples, tunes into the energy of the day, and captures images that feel like time travel back into the emotions of a moment. We explore the power of presence, letting go of perfection, and trusting your intuition when documenting real life. Whether she’s tearing up behind the lens or dancing on the edge of the action, Tia’s work is rooted in heart, movement, and connection. If you believe photography should feel like something, you’re going to love this conversation. 🔗 See more of Tia’s work on her website tialoryssaphotography.com [https://tialoryssaphotography.com] or follow Tia on Instagram @tialoryssaphotography [https://www.instagram.com/tialoryssaphotography/]. 📸 Join an upcoming Spark Adventure Photography Workshop: sparkadventurephotog.com [https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com]

S2E4: The Power of Seeing with Guest Ariel Estulin

We've all been on a trip where we wanted to capture the raw feeling of the wilderness. Dedicated landscape photographer Ariel Estulin started his journey documenting long canoe trips, but he quickly learned that just 'snapping' the journey wasn't enough. In this episode, we dive into the essential difference between just looking at a scene and truly seeing it. This conversation is an essential guide to infusing your photography with patience and mindfulness. Ariel shares his personal philosophy: how he approaches the landscape with intention, steps back, and allows the scene to speak its own truth before he ever lifts the camera. This practice is the key to creating work that isn't just a record of a place, but a piece of meaningful storytelling. Tune in to learn how to slow down, embrace the value of waiting, and elevate your work by letting the landscape dictate your next move. Learn more about Ariel Estulin Photography at https://www.arielestulin.com [https://www.arielestulin.com]. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com [https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com].   Thanks for listening!

S2E3: Your Camera is a Tool for Healing with Guest Claire Beach

We often talk about the camera as a tool for seeing, but what if it was also a tool for healing? In this essential episode, I sit down with Claire Beach from The Wild Edge to explore how deep nature immersion and forest therapy revolutionize both our photography and our well-being. Claire shares her journey into nature-based practice, emphasizing that the biggest breakthroughs come when we finally slow down and connect with all five senses. We dive into the profound benefits of nature therapy—from easing stress to fuelling creativity—and discuss practical ways to move past "snapping" and truly feel connected to your subject. Tune in to discover how stillness can make your portfolio come alive. Learn more about The Wild Edge at https://www.thewildedge.ca [https://www.thewildedge.ca]. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com [https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com].   Thanks for listening!

S2E2: Ethical Storytelling and the Land with Guest Alyssa Bardy

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Alyssa Bardy, an Indigenous photographer whose work is deeply rooted in the unceded territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, and Huron-Wendat peoples. We dive into the necessity of ethical storytelling and what it truly means to feel connected to your subject—whether that's a person, the landscape, or a cultural narrative. Alyssa shares how her mother’s inspiration launched her photography journey, and how her lens became a vital tool for connecting with her culture and language. This conversation is essential listening for anyone who wants to move beyond simply documenting nature. We explore the profound, powerful interconnectedness of motherhood, creativity, and the Land. Alyssa challenges us to use our cameras to build awareness, honour our subjects, and see the seasons not just as pretty backdrops, but as anchors for deeper meaning. Tune in to learn how to infuse integrity and purpose into every frame you take. Learn more about Alyssa Bardy Photography at https://alyssabardyphotography.com [https://alyssabardyphotography.com]. Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com [https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com].   Thanks for listening!

S2E1: Curing Creative Malnourishment with Guest Chris Kay

Welcome back! In this season two opener, we’re putting down the lens cap and picking up the pen with Chris Fraser, founder of Firefly Creative Writing. We’re diving deep into the honest, messy intersection of creative writing and photography. We talk about the moment Chris found her own creative freedom and why, in this digital age of endless comparison, nurturing your inner artist is less of a hobby and more of a non-negotiable act of mindful presence. This episode is a truth-telling conversation about the walls we all hit: the fear of external validation, the struggle to find your unique voice, and the power of finding a community that truly sees you. If you’ve ever felt like your art—whether words or photos—is technically fine but emotionally empty, this episode is your compass back to meaningful creation. It's time to redefine what it means to create.   Learn more about Firefly Creative Writing at https://fireflycreativewriting.com [https://fireflycreativewriting.com]. Sign up for their mailing list https://fireflycreativewriting.com/mail-list [https://fireflycreativewriting.com/mail-list] Sign up for an upcoming photography workshop with Cobi and Spark Adventure Photography Workshops at https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com [https://www.sparkadventurephotog.com].   Thanks for listening!